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Saturday, January 6, 2018

Into the Drowning Deep: The mermaid book I was waiting for

For years, I have been on a quest for a good mermaid book. Mermaid mythology fascinates me, especially how it popped up all over the world simultaneously with some different aspects, but so much similar that it feels nearly true.

Most books delving into the subject disappoint me. Maybe that’s because I want so much from the book that it’s nearly impossible to live up to my expectations. Sometimes I just don’t bother with mermaid books because I’ve been burnt too many times. But Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire), knows how to write a good story.

And this, my friends, is more than just good.

This genre-blending book combines fantasy and science as only Grant can. In her writing, the science of the impossible feels not only possible, but likely. She does her research, from zombie viruses to mythological creatures, and it makes a huge difference. But she doesn't get bogged down in being scientifically-sound. Grant builds a world, characters and a story that work hand-in-hand with the science.

Into the Drowning Deep is the terrifying mermaid horror story you need to read. After spending most of last year in a reading slump, it felt wonderful to start 2018 with such a great book. I didn’t watch Netflix, didn’t go to sleep and found myself reading every chance I got. I needed to know what happened next.

Into the Drowning Deep follows a group of scientists, funded by a reality TV network, on an expedition to unravel the mysteries of mermaid folklore. It’s not the TV networks first voyage to the legendary Mariana Trench, where mermaids are said to live. Seven years prior to the story in this book, a different crew set out. That ship was found adrift, with no one on board, without even bodies to tell their story.

The scientists on the second journey have different reasons for coming - some are looking for answers, some want to find mermaids and some believe it’s a hoax but want a payday. None are looking for a massacre, but when monsters lurk beneath the waves nobody’s safety is guaranteed.

Here there be monsters...and it’s worth every heart-stopping, terrifying page to find them.